State
State Senator, 17th District
- Vote for
- 1
- Term
- 4 years
- Candidates
- 2
- Election
- Nov 3, 2026
What this office does: A state senator votes on Maryland laws and the state budget and confirms the Governor's appointments.
Taxes & budget
Helene MeisterRepublican
- Proposes lowering sales and income taxes.
Cheryl C. KaganDemocratic
No documented position found.
Public safety
Helene MeisterRepublican
No documented position found.
Cheryl C. KaganDemocratic
- Sponsored a tax credit for retired 9-1-1 specialists.In office
Education
Helene MeisterRepublican
- Supports phasing in universal pre-K, starting income-based.
Cheryl C. KaganDemocratic
- Sponsored stricter open-meeting rules for school boards.In office
Economy & jobs
Helene MeisterRepublican
- Proposes capping small-business licensing costs at $100.
Cheryl C. KaganDemocratic
No documented position found.
Roads & infrastructure
Helene MeisterRepublican
- Supports requiring data centers to pay their fair share.
- Supports expanding nuclear and gas-powered generation.
- Supports stronger Public Service Commission oversight of utilities.
Cheryl C. KaganDemocratic
No documented position found.
Health & human services
Helene MeisterRepublican
No documented position found.
Cheryl C. KaganDemocratic
- Sponsored conversion therapy prohibitions and lawsuits.In office
- Sponsored campus access to over-the-counter contraception.In office
Government & transparency
Helene MeisterRepublican
- Supports a centralized system tracking nonprofit grants.
Cheryl C. KaganDemocratic
- Sponsored barring January 6 insurrectionists from some government roles.In office
- Sponsored special elections to fill legislative vacancies.In office
- Sponsored a bill on unaffiliated voters affiliating with parties.In office
Challengers are listed first and incumbents last; otherwise candidates appear in ballot order. The Gist does not rank, rate or endorse candidates. Only positions backed by a cited source are shown; 7 issues covered in this race.